1991 BMW M12 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 BMW M12 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 BMW M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW M12 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW M12 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1991 BMW M12 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 BMW M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW M12 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M12 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2440 mm |
